Real Madrid News
Real Madrid secure crucial buyback option in Newcastle United deal to sign La Liga winger
Real Madrid have made a conscious choice this summer of not activating the buyback option to sign Victor Munoz.
The Osasuna starlet was one of the rising stars in La Liga last season, impressing onlookers with his ability to drift past opponents. He is now a part of the Spain World Cup squad.
Munoz’s blistering performances have earned him a big-money move this summer, Newcastle United expected to finalise the deal to sign the Spanish international – a deal in which Real Madrid have played a key role thanks to a clause held in the player.
Real Madrid’s masterstroke
While Real Madrid chose not to activate their buy-back option to re-sign Munoz outright, they have managed to secure a fresh one-season buy-back option, reports AS.
This is part of the three-way agreement between Osasuna, Newcastle and the player, marking a significant coup for Los Blancos as they can buy the player at a cut price if he impresses in the Premier League.
Real Madrid never stood in the way of the transfer, primarily because the decision rested with Osasuna and the player once Los Blancos opted against activating either the original buy-back option or the right of first refusal this summer.
The structure of the original deal, put in place when Munoz joined Osasuna in the summer of 2025, gave Real Madrid the leverage to shape this transfer entirely on their terms.
Paying the clause to bring him back immediately was never seriously considered, but it seems the club are playing the long game.
A slap in the face for Barcelona
If there was one thing Munoz was clear about, it was his desire for consistent playing time at his next club, something he believes he has found at Newcastle.
Manchester United, Liverpool and other Premier League sides all enquired, but the move to the north east of England always held the strongest appeal.
Barcelona, too, explored the possibility and were in fact the first club to enquire about his situation. However, the player and his agent, Juanma Lopez, had no intention of entering into a conflict with Real Madrid.
The deal is excellent business for everyone involved. Osasuna are set to triple the €5 million they paid Real Madrid for Munoz just a year ago.
As for Real Madrid, they could benefit from a healthy sell-on fee, and the security of a buy-back clause should the Spaniard become the star many believe he can be.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
